Soccer fans from around the world are expected to descend on Boston this summer as the city hosts seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament, which runs from June 11 through July 19, is the largest in World Cup history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Boston will host five group-stage matches, a Round of 32 match and a quarterfinal at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
The World Cup is already influencing travel plans across North America as fans book flights, hotels and transportation around the tournament. Many visitors are expected to build vacations around the event, extending their stays to explore destinations beyond the stadium. For Boston, that means an opportunity to showcase everything from its historic landmarks and waterfront neighborhoods to its museums, restaurants and thriving summer events calendar.
Boston offers plenty of reasons to linger. The city combines historic landmarks, waterfront neighborhoods, renowned museums and a thriving food scene in a compact, walkable destination. Visitors can spend the morning following the Freedom Trail, enjoy lunch in the North End and finish the day watching some of the world's best soccer players compete on the sport's biggest stage. The city will also host FIFA Fan Festival activities and public viewing events throughout the tournament, creating opportunities for fans to celebrate even when they aren't inside the stadium.
The tournament coincides with one of Boston's most popular travel seasons. June and July bring warm weather, outdoor dining, harbor cruises and long daylight hours that make it easy to explore. Visitors can also use Boston as a base for day trips to destinations such as Nantucket, Cape Cod, Newport, Rhode Island, and other coastal New England communities.
From Back Bay to the Seaport, Boston offers plenty of places to stay during the World Cup. Here are five hotels putting visitors close to the excitement.
A Back Bay Address Close to the Action
For visitors who want to experience both the World Cup and the city itself, Mandarin Oriental, Boston places them in the middle of one of Boston's most popular neighborhoods. Set in Back Bay, the five-star hotel is steps from Newbury Street's shops and restaurants and within walking distance of several attractions, including The Public Garden, Fenway Park, Copley Square and the Museum of Fine Arts.
After a day of matches and sightseeing, guests can recharge at the hotel's award-winning spa or stop by the concierge desk to plan the next day's activities. Rooms and suites are generously sized, with some offering kitchenettes and views of the Boston skyline.
A Contemporary Take on the Boston Hotel Stay
CitizenM Boston Back Bay brings a modern feel to one of the city's most established neighborhoods. Located on Newbury Street near Fenway Park, the hotel puts guests within walking distance of baseball games, college campuses and some of Boston's most recognizable streetscapes.
The property is built around smart technology, with rooms controlled by tablet and app-based features that let guests adjust everything from lighting to room temperature. Colorful common areas, grab-and-go dining options, and a 24-hour fitness center give the hotel an energetic atmosphere that feels especially well-suited to travelers who plan to spend most of their time out exploring and attending matches.
Where Soccer Fans Can Keep the Celebration Going
The Seaport District has become one of Boston's busiest neighborhoods, and the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport puts visitors at its center. The property is known for its heated rooftop pool and hot tub, city and harbor views and easy access to waterfront restaurants, making it a popular choice for travelers looking to explore beyond the stadium.
During the World Cup, the hotel plans to lean into the excitement with viewing events at The Sporting Club, an on-site restaurant featuring twelve high-definition televisions and a menu that goes far beyond traditional sports-bar fare.
Guests can also take advantage of the hotel's All Access Pass program, which gives overnight visitors assistance securing tickets to sporting events, concerts and other experiences around the city. For travelers hoping to make the most of their time in Boston, it offers a lively home base between matches.
A Quieter Side of World Cup Week
Travelers looking for a quieter stay may appreciate The Langham, housed in a former Federal Reserve Bank building in downtown Boston. The hotel is a five-minute walk from South Station, making it a practical choice for visitors planning to take the train to Gillette Stadium while still staying close to Boston's restaurants, waterfront and historic sites.
When the crowds and excitement of match day wind down, guests can retreat to the hotel's heated indoor pool, modern fitness center or Chuan Body + Soul Spa. Dining options include Grana, known for its striking setting and delicious Italian dishes, and The Fed cocktail bar. Travelers planning an extended stay may also appreciate the hotel's With Our Compliments promotion, which includes a complimentary third night when booking three nights.
A Home Base for Longer Stays
For visitors planning to spend several days in Boston during the World Cup, Hotel AKA Back Bay and Hotel AKA Boston Common offer guest rooms and suites. Both properties are close to many of the city's best-known attractions, giving guests easy access to historic sites, museums, restaurants and public transportation between matches.
The spacious suites feature full kitchens and separate living areas, making them well suited for families, groups or travelers combining the tournament with a longer New England getaway. During the tournament, guests can book the "Golden Goal Getaway" package, which includes a World Cup-themed welcome kit with exclusive merchandise, a $100 dining credit and in-room access to FOX Sports coverage. Guests also have access to AKA's private cinema, providing another place to catch the action when they aren't exploring the city or heading to Gillette Stadium.
As Boston prepares to welcome soccer fans from around the globe, visitors will find no shortage of places to stay. Whether travelers prefer a luxury spa retreat, a lively sports-focused atmosphere, a historic downtown property or a spacious suite in the heart of the city, each of these hotels offers a different way to experience Boston. For many visitors, the matches may be the main attraction, but Boston itself is likely to be part of the memorable experience.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.